Summary

The web content discusses the curation process of a uniquely eclectic Spotify playlist called "snapdragon," created by Mara Dygert, which blends different musical preferences to foster a shared musical experience between her and her partner, and reflects on the influence of streaming platforms on music discovery.

Abstract

The article "Behind the Scenes of Her Playlist" delves into the creation of the playlist "snapdragon" by Mara Dygert, who was inspired by the desire to find common musical ground with her partner. The playlist, which features a mix of light and heavy music genres, is carefully ordered to ensure a seamless and engaging listening experience. The piece also touches on the subjective nature of art appreciation, influenced by personal experiences and the role of streaming services in expanding one's musical horizons. Through a conversation with Noah, Mara shares her methods for selecting and sequencing songs, emphasizing the importance of variety and thematic coherence. Additionally, the article highlights local musicians and recommended live music venues in Asheville, North Carolina, encouraging music enthusiasts to explore the city's vibrant music scene post-quarantine.

Opinions

Mara believes in the power of playlists as a personal form of art curation, tailoring music to evoke specific emotions and create an accessible listening experience.
The article suggests that our enjoyment of art, including music, can be influenced by external factors such as the quality of a cup of coffee, emphasizing our irrational nature in appreciating art.
Mara and Noah discuss the effectiveness of Spotify's algorithm in recommending music, acknowledging its role in discovering new artists while also recognizing that personal recommendations and other mediums contribute to music exploration.
The preference for light and airy music, reminiscent of the mountains and rivers of Asheville, contrasts with the darker and heavier preferences of Mara's partner, illustrating the diverse musical tastes that playlists can bridge.
Mara's approach to playlist creation involves starting with a solid foundation of familiar artists and then branching out with the help of streaming site recommendations to broaden musical horizons.
The article expresses enthusiasm for the local Asheville music scene, with specific recommendations for local artists and venues that reflect the city's rich musical culture.
The playlist "snapdragon" serves as a testament to the idea that music preference is subjective and that a well-curated playlist can effectively merge different tastes into a harmonious listening experience.

Behind the Scenes of Her Playlist

How my friend created the most eclectic playlist I’ve heard.

The Louvre, the Museum of Modern Art, and playlists. What do they have in common?

They’re all curated selections of art. But instead of art being chosen by a handful of people at a museum, the playlist is designed by us: Fans.

We live in a day and age where — not only is it easier than ever to make and consume art — we’re redefining what art is.

Playlists are redefining the category.

We tend to forget that, as irrational beings, our subjective view of art is highly dependent on other variables. Maybe you had a crappy cup of coffee and that’s why you don’t like what you’re listening to?

That’s why the playlist should be viewed as hallowed: It’s our golden opportunity to assemble music to make it as accessible and enjoyable as possible.

I talked to my friend Mara about this and ended up asking her a bunch of questions about her playlist, snapdragon. Mara is a prolific playlist creator, and snapdragon was the first of her many that I listened to.

Noah: How did you get inspired to start snapdragon?

Mara: I was inspired to start snapdragon after I had started a new relationship. I noticed that the music I enjoyed was incredibly different from the music my partner listened to. Snapdragon emerged as a blending of two music preferences to find a sort of middle ground using a vibe and feeling that inspired optimism and uplifting emotions.

Noah: What was your musical preference versus your partner’s?

Mara: My partner’s music tends more towards the dark and heavy, including bands like The National and Death Cab for Cutie. I tend to like things that feel a lot more airy and light like The Lumineers and Sea Wolf. Music and bands like that remind me of the mountains and rivers where I’m from. Those differences remain pretty consistent in all facets of our musical tastes.

Noah: Why do groups like The Lumineers and Sea Wolf remind you of Asheville?

Mara: That’s super difficult to describe! Growing up I have a ton of memories of driving up and down mountains with the car windows down, wind blowing in my hair. Bands that are able to invoke that sense of earthiness and lightness really remind me of home and inspire me to imagine myself driving the Blue Ridge Parkway with the wind in my hair again.

Western North Carolina. Photos by Mara Dygert.

Noah: I see. Let’s go back to combining music preferences. I listened to your playlist and already told you that I enjoyed it. It works very well when you listen to it in order. How did you determine the order? And how did you do it so effectively?

Mara: I find that the best way to put songs in order is to first determine the total number of songs that will be in the playlist; go ahead and add them. Then choose one song that kicks off the vibe of the playlist and sets the tone, or even sets itself apart from the remainder. Then scan the compiled list of songs for a theme or consistent trend that allows songs to blend from one to the next.

As I move down the list, I always try and break up authors/bands or sounds that are too similar to prevent the playlist from getting ‘bogged down’ in one sound and to create variety that remains engaging. Rinse and repeat until all of the songs have been woven in and then listen through one or more times to make adjustments as appropriate.

Noah: You definitely avoided the bog. I noticed this when the playlist when from playing Édith Piaf to Carly Rae Jensen to Cold War Kids.

So how did you learn about all of these musicians? It’s quite the eclectic collection.

Mara: My playlists tend to be eclectic and it’s one of my favorite things. I’ll start with a foundation of artists I am super familiar with and even love to ensure that I remain engaged in the playlist and know a good amount of the material.

Once I have that foundation it’s easier to branch out. Spotify and other streaming sites typically provide recommended lists based on algorithms that match the general theme of the playlist and, over time, you become more familiar with individual artists/bands or songs that can become pieces you incorporate more commonly. It’s a great way to broaden music horizons and listen to new material while still working within music preferences.

Noah: Would you say that you’d be able to have learned of these artists without platforms like Spotify?

Mara: Some of the artists I have heard about or encountered outside of the platform through various avenues, including friend recommendations or adverts. So I believe it is possible to learn about some music in other ways.

Despite that, the sheer number of artists and songs that are incorporated and recommended at any one time exceeds what I’ve encountered in other settings. I’m confident there are many songs/bands I never would have known about without the platform.

Noah: Got it.

My final question is this: Being from Asheville, I hear that there’s a thriving live music scene. What bands from your area do you recommend us to listen to? And what venues — be it bars, clubs, etc — do you recommend us to go to when the quarantine is over?

Mara: So music is one of the lifebloods of Asheville. My plugs for artists that I went to high school with who are producing music include: Adriana McCassim, Sequoya Waring, Logan Jayne, and Indigo De Souza.

For bands I don’t know personally I’d recommend Emerald Empire and Steep Canyon Rangers. For venues there are several options depending on large or small: the Orange Peel, White Horse Black Mountain, Ben’s Tune Up, and the Odditorium.